Commemorating America’s 250th

Join the African American Program for a free in-person screening of “American Dignity” on Wednesday, June 17. Presented as part of the From Slavery to Freedom Film Series, the documentary follows voting rights organizer Charles Douglas III as he seeks guidance and clarity from civil rights veteran Charles Mauldin.

For one night only, join the History Center as we toast to the nation’s 250th anniversary with five floors of revolutionary revelry on Thursday, June 25. Choose your own museum adventure filled with cocktails, crafting, vintage shopping, American history, and interactive experiences at this special 21+ birthday bash.

Join chief historian Anne Madarasz in conversation with artists featured in the My America exhibit as they share their work and discuss the creative techniques they used to interpret the subjects of their art.

Kick off America’s 250th birthday at historic Point State Park for a special Fourth at the Fort celebration! Join costumed re-enactors, veterans, scouts, elected officials, and museum staff on July 4 to ceremoniously raise a 36-foot American flag as part of a moving patriotic ceremony to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Explore how two world-changing events in 1776—the declaration of American independence and the commercial introduction of the Watt steam engine—set the American and Industrial Revolutions in motion and converged in Pittsburgh to shape the future on July 4.

Participate in a ceremony featuring the unfurling and folding of a giant 36-foot American flag at the History Center on July 4. Reflect upon the civic democracy and history that the flag represents while learning the history of the adoption of the nation’s flag.

Step into the past and experience the roots of American history with a day full of festive fun at Meadowcroft. Enjoy hands-on historical demonstrations, try your hand at traditional games, and discover how early Americans lived, worked, and celebrated.

Explore the Revolution in the West at the Fort Pitt Museum on July 11.

In partnership with the Pittsburgh Society of Illustrators, local artists share what America means to them through imagery inspired by the pillars at the heart of the nation’s founding — freedom, equality, justice, and opportunity. 

As the nation approaches its 250th anniversary, the Fort Pitt Museum unveils Pittsburgh’s Revolution, a dynamic new exhibition exploring Western Pennsylvania’s pivotal role in the Revolutionary War and its impact on the founding of America.

The History Center has partnered with America250PA to host a unique bell sculpture as part of the Bells Across PA initiative – a statewide public art project to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026. Created by local artist Scott Saloney and sponsored by Paul Gitnik, J.D., LL. M., the fiberglass bell features a vibrant rendering of Pittsburgh’s skyline. The bell will be on view through 2026.

Established in 2015, the History Center’s America 101 initiative empowers citizens to know and act on the promise of the country’s founders, enabling people today to write the next chapter of our democracy.   

Connect with stories, inspiration, and tools to help power our democracy. Led by Made By Us and more than 500 cultural organizations across the country, Civic Season invites a new generation to step into history and shape the future 

The Pennsylvania Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial (America250PA) was established by the legislature and Governor in 2018 to plan, encourage, develop and coordinate the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, Pennsylvania’s integral role in that event, and the impact of its people on the nation’s past, present, and future. History Center President & CEO Andy Masich serves as a commissioner for America250PA. 

The History Center is partnering with KDKA-TV on a special new series that explores Western Pennsylvania’s important contributions to the American experience throughout the past 250 years. “America 250: Pittsburgh’s Path” airs on Fridays during the evening news.

The History Center is a founding member of Made By Us, a national coalition developed in partnership with the Smithsonian and the nation’s most iconic history museums. Made By Us transforms museums and historic sites into civic hubs for young adults, activating a network of 500 cultural institutions across the U.S. to engage younger audiences and strengthen democracy and civic participation.